随着年龄的增长而更好地工作 ： 韩国

WORKING BETTER WITH AGE: KOREAN CONTEXT

Foreword

The global demographic trend of aging populations poses significant challenges for economic growth and public spending sustainability. This report, part of a series on "Working Better with Age," specifically examines Korea's strategies and policies to enhance employment opportunities, work incentives, and job quality for older workers. Drawing on OECD guidelines and analysis, it identifies areas needing improvement and offers recommendations.

Key Points:

1. Population Aging in Korea:

   • Korea experiences the fastest population aging among OECD countries.
   • This demographic shift impacts economic performance and social cohesion.

2. Labor Market Situation for Older Workers:

   • Despite high participation rates, older workers face challenges in terms of job quality and wages.
   • There's a disconnect between labor force participation and the economic benefits gained.

3. Employability and Working Conditions:

   • Focuses on maintaining and enhancing employability across the workforce lifecycle.
   • Aims to facilitate re-entry into quality employment for older job seekers.
   • Advocates for improvements in the working conditions for older workers.

4. Hiring and Job Retention:

   • Highlights a labor market that inadequately values its older participants.
   • Discusses employment practices and factors influencing age-based hiring decisions.
   • Reviews the progress of recent reforms in addressing these issues.

5. Addressing Poverty Among Older Workers:

   • Examines the effectiveness of social security systems in supporting older workers.
   • Proposes strategies to reduce poverty risks among this demographic.

Recommendations:

• Structural Reforms and Social Protection: Implement comprehensive reforms and strengthen social protection mechanisms to support older workers.
• Better Job Quality and Incentives: Enhance job quality and incentivize employers to retain and hire older workers.
• Employability and Work Conditions: Improve employability and working conditions throughout the working life.
• Effective Hiring Practices: Encourage inclusive hiring practices that value experience and skills of older workers.
• Social Security System Enhancement: Strengthen social security systems to effectively support older workers and mitigate poverty risks.

This report underscores the need for tailored policies and reforms aimed at leveraging the potential of older workers while addressing the challenges they face in the modern labor market.